PHI Matching Services Project

We track matching service registries throughout the country, which "match" consumers who need home care with workers—based on needs, preferences, and availability.

Contact Us

Please send us your comments and suggestions on this project. We particularly welcome any new information on matching service registries in your state. Send comments and inquiries to Stephen Campbell at scampbell@PHInational.org.

About the Project

Several states and organizations are experimenting with solutions that more efficiently connect consumers with workers. One approach is a “matching service registry.” This labor market intermediary creates a platform for matching supply and demand by allowing consumers to tap into an up-to-date registry of available workers, and workers to signal their availability for employment.

The goals of this project are to:

Document and track matching service registries across the states

Highlight learnings from these efforts

Encourage policies that improve and support infrastructure for self-direction

What Matching Service Registries Do

Matching service registries typically gather detailed information about the consumer’s needs and preferences and the worker’s availability, skills, and preferences. Consumers and workers must each initiate their side of the transaction.

When a consumer contacts the registry with a request for a worker, the matching itself is done in one of two ways: either the consumer performs their own electronic searches of the worker database using one or more searchable criteria (e.g., zip code or availability by day of week/time of day), or connects with trained staff who in turn conduct the database searches and report the search results back to the consumer.

Matching service registries also may connect users to additional services such as: worker screening and orientation, access to consumer and worker training, and recruitment and outreach to potential workers.

Matching service registries are a growing phenomenon but are still limited. The configuration of a registry (e.g., funding sources, geographic area served, requirements for registration, etc.) varies greatly according to the needs and preferences of both registry operators and the populations served. Each configuration poses unique advantages and challenges. Generally, nonprofit matching service registries offset much of their expenses through public funding and grants and are thus able to provide a low cost service to connect workers and consumers.

This state funded registry provides respite services exclusively. Both consumers and agencies are able to hire workers from the registry. Listings include both independent providers and agencies. Consumers pay a small registration fee and registration for providers is free of charge. There are not eligibility restrictions for consumers; however, providers must complete state-required training before they are listed. Consumers can perform listing searches based on a variety of criteria. Once a match is made, it is up to the consumer and worker to update their respective profiles. The service automatically sends email reminders to perform updates. Once a worker submits his or her application, they are immediately added to the registry. Background checks and training are not required for the workers.

Center for Independent Living (CIL), Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL)

Free for all consumers.

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This grant-funded registry is open to any consumer. Workers are searchable based on a comprehensive list of characteristics. Each worker’s profile also includes an audio recording of the worker introducing himself or herself. Currently, the registry is free for providers and consumers. While the online platform is open to anyone, personnel at CIL/CRIL often assist individuals without internet access over the phone and in person. Once a consumer attempts to contact a worker, staff are notified. Staff follows up with a phone call to the consumer to see if they were able to establish a match. Once a successful match is made, staff updates consumer and worker profiles accordingly.

This grant-funded registry is open to any consumer. Workers are searchable based on a comprehensive list of characteristics. Each worker’s profile also includes an audio recording of the worker introducing himself or herself. Currently, the registry is free for providers and consumers. While the online platform is open to anyone, staff at CID often assist individuals without internet access over the phone and in person. Once a consumer attempts to contact a worker, staff are notified. Staff follows up with a phone call to the consumer to see if they were able to establish a match. Once a successful match is made, staff updates consumer and worker profiles accordingly. CID staff accompany clients during interviews with potential workers upon request.

This grant-funded registry is open to any consumer. Workers are searchable based on a comprehensive list of characteristics. Each worker’s profile also includes an audio recording of the worker introducing himself or herself. There is a small fee for providers and consumers to use the registry. Workers are required to have three years of experience and at least three references before they are listed. Background checks are not required, but consumers are encouraged to ask workers to provide them. The registry is updated once a week by staff at the Marin Center for Independent Living. Once a consumer attempts to contact a worker, MCIL staff are notified. Staff follows up with a phone call to the consumer to see if they were able to establish a match. Once a successful match is made, MCIL staff updates consumer and worker profiles accordingly.

Both consumers and agencies are able to hire workers from the registry. Listings include both independent providers and agencies. Consumers pay a small registration fee and registration for providers is free of charge. There are not eligibility restrictions for consumers or workers. Consumers can perform listing searches based on a variety of criteria. Once a match is made, it is up to the consumer and worker to update their respective profiles. The service automatically sends reminders to perform updates. Once a worker submits his or her application, they are immediately added to the registry. Background checks and training are not required for the workers.

Delmarva Foundation, the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Free for all consumers

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This statewide registry assists consumers with finding agency and independent homecare providers as well as other useful services such as adult dental, life skills development, and others. Users can search by location and service type. Results are sorted alphabetically. Each home care provider profile includes ratings produced by the Delmarva Foundation as part of the Provider Discovery Review process. The registry is free for consumers and providers. Listings are developed automatically based on Medicaid claims data.

Arc of Douglas County, the Kansas Lifespan Respite Coalition, and Rewarding Work Resources, Inc.

Free for KanCare consumers, small fee for private pay consumers

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This state funded registry is open to all consumers and agencies. It offers both long term and respite services. Worker listings include both independent providers and workers employed agencies. Registration is free of charge for consumers enrolled in KanCare. There is a small $10 monthly subscription fee for all other consumers and agencies. Registration for independent providers is free of charge. There are not eligibility restrictions for consumers or workers. Once a worker submits his or her application, they are immediately added to the registry. Consumers can perform listing searches based on a variety of criteria. Once a match is made, it is up to the consumer and worker to update their respective profiles. The service automatically sends reminders to perform updates. Background checks and training are not required for the workers.

This registry is open to all consumers. It enables prospective personal assistants to list their information. Consumers can search all listings, or to specify a county to narrow the search. This registry is publically funded through Alpha One, a Center for Independent Living supported by public grants.

This state funded registry is open to all consumers and agencies. It offers both long term and respite services. Worker listings include both independent providers and workers employed agencies. Registration is free of charge for consumers enrolled in MassHealth. There is a small subscription fee for all other consumers and agencies. Registration for independent providers is free of charge. There are not eligibility restrictions for consumers or workers. Once a worker submits his or her application, they are immediately added to the registry. Consumers can perform listing searches based on a variety of criteria. Once a match is made, it is up to the consumer and worker to update their respective profiles. The service automatically sends reminders to perform updates. Background checks and training are not required for the workers.

This state-funded registry is open to all consumers and workers in Minnesota. Consumers populate their profiles with their care needs and open shifts. Workers fill in their profiles with their skills, experience, relevant training, and availability. Worker profiles can be connected to the University of Minnesota College of Direct Support, which allows workers to display the training courses they have completed. Consumers can filter search results based on several criteria. When consumers find workers whom they deem qualified for employment, the consumer may send a message to the worker. Both consumers and workers are responsible for keeping their profiles current.

This state funded registry is open to all consumers. Both consumers and agencies are able to hire workers from the registry. Listings include both independent providers and agencies. Consumers pay a small registration fee and registration for providers is free of charge. There are not eligibility restrictions for consumers; however, providers must undergo a registry check by the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services & Children family and Youth Services. Consumers can perform listing searches based on a variety of criteria. Once a match is made, it is up to the consumer and worker to update their respective profiles. The service automatically sends reminders to perform updates. Once a worker submits his or her application, they are immediately added to the registry. Background checks and training are not required for the workers.

New Jersey Division of Disability Services and Rewarding Work Resources, Inc.

Small fee for all consumers

989

276

This state funded registry is open to all consumers and agencies. Worker listings include both independent providers and workers employed agencies. There is a small subscription fee for all other consumers and agencies. Registration for providers is free of charge. There are not eligibility restrictions for consumers or workers. Once a worker submits his or her application, he or she is immediately added to the registry. Consumers can perform listing searches based on a variety of criteria. Once a match is made, it is up to the consumer and worker to update their respective profiles. The service automatically sends reminders to perform updates.

This registry is free for all consumers. Searches can be made by location and skill level. Independent and agency providers can be listed on the website, but agencies must pay a small fee. The registry does not require background checks, but consumers are encouraged to request them.

This registry was established by funding for the Franklin County Office on Aging passed by the counties general election in 2012. Private paying consumers communicate with the Registry coordinator to find a direct care worker that meets their needs. Providers must have letters of recommendation, pass a background check, and attend a workshop before they are matched to a consumer.

The MyOhioHCP is only open to Medicaid beneficiaries and Medicaid-certified providers. This service allows consumers to post listings requesting workers. Workers can search for potential consumers based on county. Aside from the listing service, MyOhioHCP personalized pages also offer important records, forms, tools, surveys, news and updates, contact information and more.

Private and public consumers – including individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness — can use the state-funded registry at no cost. In addition to standard search features, consumers and providers can also post on the electronic bulletin board to advertise their specific needs. Providers are screened for certification and must undergo a background check. The registry has an ongoing volunteer professional development training program. The registry also manages fiscal elements of employment such as payroll, workers compensation, and health insurance.

Private and public consumers can use the grant-funded registry at no cost. Consumers can search for workers with the assistance of TRIPIL staff based on criteria such as experience with Alzheimer’s, certifications, etc. Before providers are listed, they are screened for certification, undergo a background check, and attend a two-week interactive training. During training, workers learn the skills they need to help consumers with disabilities maintain control of their lives while living in the communities of their choice. Moreover, the registry allows providers get paid competitive wages and to eventually qualify for affordable health benefits.

Free for consumers in the following programs: PersonalChoice, Respite, or PASS, small fee for private pay consumers

1,309

758

This state funded registry is open to all consumers and agencies. Worker listings include both independent providers and workers employed by agencies. Registration is free for consumers enrolled in PersonalChoice, Respite or PASS. There is a small subscription fee for all other consumers and agencies. Registration for providers is free of charge. There are not eligibility restrictions for consumers or workers. Once a worker submits his or her application, they are immediately added to the registry. Consumers can perform listing searches based on a variety of criteria. Once a match is made, it is up to the consumer and worker to update their respective profiles. The service automatically sends reminders to perform updates. Background checks and training are not required for the workers.

Consumers can use the Registry to actively search online for a direct care worker that meets their needs. Providers can set up a profile in order to be added to the provider database or can directly reach out to consumers that have created an online profile requesting a direct care worker.

Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, and Rewarding Work Resources, Inc.

Free for all consumers

2,756

412

This state funded registry is open to all consumers and agencies. Worker listings include both independent providers and workers employed by agencies. Registration for providers is free of charge. There are not eligibility restrictions for consumers or workers. Once a worker submits his or her application, they are immediately added to the registry. Consumers can perform listing searches based on a variety of criteria. Once a match is made, it is up to the consumer and worker to update their respective profiles. The service automatically sends reminders to perform updates. Background checks and training are not required for the workers.

Carina is a free online tool that helps connect in-home care clients and individual providers who are contracted with the Department of Social and Health Services in Washington state connect for work and support. Carina is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is funded through the collective bargaining agreement between Washington State and SEIU 775 (the local home care union). Carina partners directly with the state of Washington and the SEIU 775 Training Partnership to instantly verify consumer and worker eligibility to use the platform. Workers are eligible to use the registry if they have worked in the past 12 months and currently hold an employment contract with the state. The registry is only open to workers who have passed a background check and completed the minimum training requirements to work. Workers create profiles to showcase their background and skills. Consumers, family members, and state-employed referral coordinators may post job listings. Workers and consumers can connect and establish matches through a secure messaging service. Carina users can access the site from any mobile device and use the geolocation features to search for providers and jobs nearest to them.

State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration

Free for all consumers.

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Medicaid consumers can use the state-funded registry managed by WA’s Department of Social and Health Services to locate local registry offices. Registry staff then provide consumers with a list of workers in the area. The registry is only open to workers who have passed a background check and completed the minimum training requirements to work. The Registry also provides consumers resources on how to hire and supervise direct care workers.

This registry was established by House Bill 4062 on March 10, 2012. The registry’s roll out will occur in two phases. During the first phase, the registry lists Medicaid-certified homecare agencies free of charge. Consumers can search for these agencies based on their home county. Providers must undergo a criminal background check, a check through the West Virginia Adult Abuse Registry, and complete various training requirements before they are listed. During the pending second phase, independent providers will be able to advertise their services. Agencies and consumers will have to pay a registration fee during the second phase.

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